GameSir Kaleid Flux review: a wired controller with good performance but a few limitations
Why You Can Trust Techradar
We spend hours testing every product or service we review so you can make sure you buy the best product. Learn more about how we test it.
Gamesir Kaleid Flux: One Minute Comment
The Gamesir Kaleid Flux is a wired controller in the official Xbox wireless controller mold, with a similar layout, but with some extra features and features that make it unique.
At this point, the large front panel and asymmetrical simulation sticks will be familiar aspects for many gamers. However, the D-pad is a point of difference because it adopts a more traditional four-key design rather than the circular design of the Xbox controller. Its color is also gold, and so is the trigger button.
The flux of kale further distinguishes itself, with RGB lighting visible behind the transparent front panel, which provides a high level of brightness. like Best PC controllercan be adjusted and customized.
You will also find some extra buttons, including a “M” (multi-function) button that can be used for various adjustments when combined with other inputs. These include changing the audio and MIC amount of the headset connected, switching the analog function of the trigger, and configuring RGB lighting.
This M button can also be used to assign input to the rear button located under the grip. This can also be done using Gamesir’s Nexus software, which contains various other adjustments, including adjustments for analog sticks, triggers, vibrations and lighting.
Kale flux performs well in most cases when playing. It feels light and comfortable, and it puts my hands in my hands without any problem. Although it is a wired controller, it has a removable USB cable, thankfully the deep recess and secure grip of the port mean it is almost without danger.
The facial buttons are lively but are well attracted, and so are the D-pads, which provide accurate and satisfying input. Due to their tactile nature and positioning, the buttons behind are also easy to use, making them difficult to misunderstand. These sticks are just as smooth and precise.
More importantly, the ability to set the trigger to always vibrate based on the intensity of the travel is useful and helps when precise feedback is important – although the feeling of this vibration is not the most pleasant feeling.
Unfortunately, there are no more advanced tweaks in Nexus, such as the ability to change the curve profile of the simulation rod. Although there is an option to swap inputs from the D-pad and the left analog stick, there is no option to switch two sticks to each other, I will find this more useful.
For wired controllers, the flux of kale is a bit on the expensive side. Wireless gamepads with similar prices, such as official ones Xbox Wireless Controller. It also lacks the same level of compatibility and advanced tweaks from some competitors, e.g. Manba One.
The flux of kale is by no means a bad controller because it provides good performance and ergonomics, but you have to consider whether you can consider the limits of its asking price.
Gamesir Kaleid Flux Review: Price and Availability
- $46/£59 (approximately $75)
- Now available in a single color scheme
- Wireless competitors have similar prices
The Kale flux costs $46/£59 (approximately $75) and comes with a color scheme: black with gold trim.
If you’re looking for one of them Best Xbox Controllersthen you can’t do better than the official Xbox wireless controller. The nominal cost is roughly the same as the kale flux, but it can usually be found less. However, it does not come with a rechargeable battery – you have to use an AAS or pay an additional fee for an optional rechargeable battery pack. Official software also lacks basic customization options such as button remapping.
If your heart is set on a hall effect controller, then the Manba is a viable alternative to kale flux. Additionally, it has more advanced customization, including multiple curve profiles for the simulation stick. It’s also wireless and has Nintendo Switch and mobile support, but the price difference (at least in the UK) isn’t even bigger.
Gamesir Kaleid Flux Review: Specifications
price |
$46.99 / £59.99 (approximately $75) |
aspect |
6.14 x 4.21 x 2.36 inches / 156 x 107 x 60mm |
weight |
0.47 lbs/212g |
compatibility |
PC, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One X/S, Steam Deck |
Connection type |
Wired (USB-A) |
Battery life |
N/A. |
software |
Gamesir Nexus (Windows only) |
Gamesir Kaleid Flux Review: Design and Features
- Wired only
- Useful multi-function buttons and rear buttons
- Hybrid software
The kale tape features a familiar gamepad design popularized by Xbox controllers, with its front panel and asymmetrical simulation stick. However, its gold D-pad and shoulder buttons and RGB lighting sit behind the transparent front panel, it adds some annoyance and provides a lot of glow if you prefer.
The overall structure of the human body is strong and the material feels durable. This extends to the mask buttons and will be reassuring and smooth in operation. Despite its sturdyness, the kale is also light in flux. Despite the lack of rubber, the texture of the plastic is dotted and I find that there is a lot of grip provided during my play.
The included braided USB cable is also well made. Since the kale flux is not available wirelessly, I’m a little curious about the cable being removable, but it’s very safe due to the deep grooves in the port on the controller and I’m totally unwilling to care about it in the heat of the moment.
You’ll find the usual gameboard buttons on Kale Flux, which include the Xbox Home button in the middle. However, there are some extra buttons, including a share button under the home button and an M button that acts as a modifier that allows you to adjust various settings instantly when combined with other inputs.
You can switch profiles, adjust RGB effects and brightness, switch triggers between mode and digital mode, and adjust audio output and microphone volume when the headset is connected via a 3.5mm Jack. The M button is positioned well and can easily reach with your thumb.
The kale flux also has two rear buttons under the grip. These inputs can be assigned by using M Button or Gamesir’s Nexus software on a Windows PC.
The software allows further customization, including button remapping and various other tweaks. For simulation sticks, there is an option to dead-zone adjustment and toggle the original input mode. However, it is shameful that there is no choice to exchange inputs for left and right sticks with each other. You can exchange the left stick with a D-pad, but I personally find this switch not very useful.
For triggers, there are variable parameters for their travel distance, and you can also find a switch for switching between analog and digital modes here. Vibration intensity can also be adjusted, and there are independent trigger and grip vibration settings, which are provided by many other controllers and their companion software.
Gamesir Kaleid Flux Review: Performance
- Good trigger feedback
- Reasonable and accurate stick
- Some performance tuning is missing
Kale is performing well during the game. The aforementioned damping button makes for a satisfying and lively press, and in this regard, the D-Pad is a special highlight. Its longer pins also mean that errors in certain directions are not a problem for me, but it still retains the scrolling ability when it is necessary to hit adjacent directions in a fast continuous manner – this makes Iron Fist 8 Let me play more happily.
Provides sufficient precision and feedback, and the hall effect simulation stick also performs well. Unfortunately, their response curve cannot be changed, just like they do on other controllers, such as the Manba One.
The trigger also uses Hall effect technology. In my opinion, they provide the right amount of travel and allow precise gradual actuation, which I welcome when playing The art of assembly Control the car to the greatest extent possible. However, they are still suitable for lively input when needed.
However, if you need more sn nose states, the ability to switch triggers between simulated mode and digital mode is useful, as it allows you to perform Quickfire Presses – useful in shooting games where you may not need to travel to simulate triggers completely. However, if you want to switch modes quickly, you will be disappointed, as there will be some delay when switching between them using the M-button method (it may be faster with Nexus).
The triggers also have a vibration feature, and in Nexus you can set the kale flux to override the settings in the game, while they vibrate when pressed and depending on their travel intensity. I found this especially useful for racing games, providing feedback that makes acceleration and braking more tactile.
However, the nature of this vibration is somewhat strange and feels more like a buzzing sound, which is not the most pleasant feeling under the fingers. Also, there is a slight dead zone at the beginning, which means that the vibration can’t start until the trigger is somehow. However, both of these secondary grips are not enough to derail the experience.
One particular quirk of the kale flux I noticed (at least in the unit I reviewed) is that the left grip vibrates significantly stronger than the right side. This may be a problem with the motor, but again, this is not a breakthrough anyway.
Should I buy gamesir kale flux?
If…buy it
if…
Consider also…
There is no shortage of PC and Xbox controllers out there, so take a look at these two wireless alternatives.
Line 0 – Unit 0 |
gamesir kale flux |
Xbox Wireless Controller |
Manba One |
price |
$46.99 / £59.99 (approximately $75) |
$59.99 / £54.99 / au $74.99 |
$69.99 (approximately £54/AUD$105) |
aspect |
6.14 x 4.21 x 2.36 inches / 156 x 107 x 60mm |
6 x 4 x 2.47 inches (152 x 102 x 63mm) |
6.1 x 4.3 x 2.6 inches (155 x 108.5 x 65.5mm) |
weight |
0.47 lbs/212g |
10.1oz (287g) |
10.4 oz (295 g) |
compatibility |
PC, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One X/S, Steam Deck |
PC, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Mobile |
PC, Nintendo Switch, Mobile |
Connection type |
Wired (USB-A) |
Wireless (Xbox Wireless, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C) |
Wireless (Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C) |
Battery life |
N/A. |
40 hours (AA battery) |
10 hours |
software |
Gamesir Nexus |
Xbox Accessories |
Nothing |
How do I test the gamesir kale flux
- Tested for a week
- Have played various games
- Rich gaming experience
I tested kale flux for about a week, during which time I used it to play various games on my PC.
I’m playing The art of assembly – A racing game that provides good testing for trigger feedback through acceleration and braking controls – and Iron Fist 8which is perfect for placing the D-Pad and Face buttons through their paces, as the game requires fast, precise input. I’ve played it, too Mafia: Authoritative Edition Test the accuracy of the simulation stick during shooting.
I also made sure to use as many features as possible on the kale flux, including two back buttons and M buttons, and tried to make all adjustments and tweaks via Gamesir’s Nexus software tool.
I’ve been playing games on various platforms for over 25 years and have experienced many controllers during this time, including models I’ve reviewed.